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The KUT Longhorn Radio Network Presents: Mexican American Experience Collection

Audio recordings including interviews, music, and informational programs related to the Mexican American community and their concerns in the series "The Mexican American Experience" and "A esta hora conversamos" from the Longhorn Radio Network, 1976-1982.

PROGRAM INFO

Chicanos in Country Music

Host Armando Gutierrez interviews Lydia Anderson, a country radio d-jay, on Chicanos in country music. Anderson, one of the very few female and Chicana radio personalities, entered radio after several prominent Austin Chicanos pointed out the need to have a Chicano in the arena of Country music. She now hosts a nighttime radio show on KVET Austin’s country music station. When she first took the air, she received many complaints for being a female announcer, mostly from women, but she has since found a large following.

Anderson says that country music has a large Chicano audience because they are attracted to several country stars who have become universally famous, including Willie Nelson and Tom Jones. Moreover, Chicano country musicians like Freddy Fender and Johnny Rodriguez have attracted many Chicanos to country music. While it took some time for Chicanos to enter the genre, Anderson says there are now many who are making country records. She believes that those who do not adopt a “country” sound will have a hard time getting radio play as Radio station program directors look for a particular sound. Anderson also discusses the possibilities of bilingual music and explains that she hopes Chicano musicians like Little Joe will be able to cross over without diluting or compromising their unique Chicano musical style.